Canada's video game industry is a powerhouse, contributing billions to the country's GDP and employing thousands of people. Yet, despite its global influence, Canadian settings or locations rarely take center stage in video games. This is a fascinating paradox that raises a deeper question: Why are so few video games set in Canada, despite the country's rich cultural and natural landscapes? In my opinion, the answer lies in a complex interplay of market dynamics, creative choices, and cultural identity. Personally, I think this is a missed opportunity, as Canadian games could offer a unique and captivating perspective on the world of gaming. What makes this particularly fascinating is the tension between the industry's global ambitions and the desire to showcase local talent and stories. On one hand, Canadian developers are pushing the boundaries of gaming, creating expansive, human, and quietly ambitious experiences. On the other hand, they are struggling to find a balance between staying true to their Canadian roots and appealing to a global audience. One thing that immediately stands out is the challenge of selling explicitly Canadian games to investors. Developers often face pushback when trying to secure funding for projects rooted in Canadian locations, as investors may perceive them as less 'globally marketable'. This raises a deeper question: What does it mean for a game to be 'unmarketable'? From my perspective, this notion is problematic and limiting. It suggests that Canadian games are inherently less desirable or valuable, simply because they are set in Canada. However, I believe that this is a misunderstanding of the market. What many people don't realize is that Canadian games have the potential to offer a unique and compelling perspective on the world of gaming. The country's diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage provide a wealth of inspiration for developers. If we take a step back and think about it, we can see that Canadian games have the power to showcase the country's unique identity and values. For example, games set in the Canadian North, like The Long Dark, offer a stark and beautiful portrayal of the harsh and unforgiving environment, while also exploring themes of resilience and survival. Similarly, games set in urban environments, like Retroronto, capture the multiculturalism and diversity of Canadian cities, providing a fresh and engaging perspective on urban life. However, the challenge lies in finding the right balance between staying true to Canadian roots and appealing to a global audience. Developers need to 'double down' on their research and understanding of Canadian culture and landscapes, while also being open to exploring new and innovative ideas. In my opinion, the key to success lies in embracing the country's unique identity and using it as a creative strength. This means celebrating the country's diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, while also being willing to experiment and take risks. What this really suggests is that Canadian games have the potential to offer a unique and captivating perspective on the world of gaming. By embracing their local culture and values, developers can create games that are both globally appealing and authentically Canadian. This raises a deeper question: How can we encourage developers to embrace their local culture and values, while also staying true to their creative vision? In my opinion, the answer lies in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, where developers feel empowered to explore their local culture and values, while also being open to feedback and collaboration with other developers and industry professionals. This could involve providing resources and support for developers to conduct research and explore their local culture and landscapes, as well as creating opportunities for collaboration and feedback within the industry. Overall, the tension between the industry's global ambitions and the desire to showcase local talent and stories is a fascinating and complex issue. By embracing their local culture and values, Canadian developers can create games that are both globally appealing and authentically Canadian, offering a unique and captivating perspective on the world of gaming.
